Why study the A1 Course?

Because you are an academically able student with a lively curiosity about so many things. This course will group you with similar students to discuss and argue, to develop higher level thinking skills, to take part in a range of practical activities, to go on a range of visits to top universities and other places of interest and, incidentally, to get an extra AS level qualification, in Critical Thinking. Put like that, how could you not want to be in the A1 Groups?

What do I study?

Not that ‘study’ really gives the right impression. Almost every lesson is complete in itself, based around an activity or problem, which you work on together. One important aspect of the course is the AS Critical Thinking. This exam does not have a lot of factual content but is based on a variety of skills in analysing arguments and solving problems. These skills are also of benefit to your main A-level programme.  In the past two years, A1 students have visited Cambridge, Oxford, London and York Universities, Charles Darwin’s House, Hadrian’s Wall, a York Ghost walk and the Museum of Childhood.

Where does the A1 Course take me?

Good universities really like Critical Thinking, because it demonstrates thinking skills which are essential to success on a degree course. You will also gain a lot of relevant practice for university interviews and the new university aptitude and admission tests. Many A1 students take a follow-up programme into their second year to support applications for Oxford and Cambridge, and for Medicine and other courses requiring a university entrance test. Past A1 students have been offered places for all three of these competitive courses.

What do I need?

The main requirement is excellent GCSE results, with an average pass grade close to A. We do have the flexibility to consider other exceptional students who can demonstrate an open, inquiring mind and a lively intelligence.